Rain or Shine Elasto Painters secured a thrilling 103-92 victory over NLEX Road Warriors in their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals matchup on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Pasig City, advancing to the semifinals. Despite trailing for much of the game, Rain or Shine dominated the final period, outscoring NLEX 25-15 to seal the win and continue their journey in the season-ending all-Filipino tournament.

Key Performances Spark the Comeback

The victory was fueled by a balanced team effort, with Leonard Santillan leading the charge. Santillan finished with 24 points and nine rebounds, showcasing his versatility and leadership. He was well-supported by Andrei Caracut, who added 16 points, and Jhonard Clarito, who provided a strong presence in the paint with 13 points and 16 rebounds.

Despite a standout performance from NLEX’s Robert Bolick with 34 points, Rain or Shine had the necessary depth and firepower to withstand the challenge. Anton Asistio (11 points) and Mike Malonzo (10 points) also played critical roles in keeping Rain or Shine balanced offensively.

Coach Guiao’s Confidence in His Team

After the game, Coach Yeng Guiao expressed his confidence in his team’s performance, particularly in the fourth quarter. “We love this matchup,” he said, referring to the resilience his team showed in the final moments. Guiao emphasized the importance of his team’s defensive effort and how it helped secure the win in the fourth quarter.

The Key Moments in the Final Quarter

Rain or Shine were down for much of the game but found their rhythm late in the third quarter, grabbing a 78-77 lead heading into the final period. From there, they surged ahead, pushing their lead to as much as 14 points. Jhonard Clarito played a crucial role in the paint, grabbing key rebounds and converting important putbacks, ultimately extending their lead in the final minutes.

Rain or Shine’s Historic Achievement

This win marked a significant achievement for Rain or Shine, securing their place in the semifinals for the third consecutive conference in PBA Season 49. Looking ahead, Rain or Shine will now face the TNT Tropang 5G in the semifinals in a series that promises to be highly competitive. With this victory, Rain or Shine moves one step closer to a potential PBA championship.